San Francisco, CA – April 2026
The San Francisco 49ers moved quickly after the 2026 NFL Draft, targeting one tight end they strongly believed in.
They signed Khalil Dinkins as an undrafted free agent, offering $275,000 guaranteed to secure his commitment over multiple competing teams.
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That investment immediately raised eyebrows, as it positioned Dinkins among the highest-paid undrafted players across the entire 2026 class.
At 6-foot-4 and 251 pounds, Dinkins brings the size, frame, and physical traits teams typically look for in developmental tight ends.
His college production remained modest, but flashes of potential in 2025 suggested there was more to unlock with proper coaching.
At the NFL Combine, he posted solid testing numbers, including a 4.72-second forty-yard dash and respectable explosion drills overall.
The 49ers, however, are betting on projection, not production, believing his skill set can grow within their offensive system.
With George Kittle leading the room, Dinkins enters one of the best possible environments for development.
San Francisco has a proven track record of developing tight ends, emphasizing blocking discipline, route timing, and versatility within their system.
Dinkins will not be expected to contribute immediately, instead focusing on learning and adapting to the speed of the NFL game.
For a player overlooked during the draft process, this opportunity provides both stability and a clear pathway toward future playing time.
The contract itself signals belief, showing the 49ers view him as more than just another camp body or practice squad option.
If his development progresses as expected, this under-the-radar signing could eventually become one of the smartest moves of the offseason.